1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Roi-des-Belges Tourer

The Rolls-Royce 40/50hp would remain in production for nearly two decades. The high level of build quality was attributed to Henry Royce's fastidious attention to detail and the use of the best machinery, tools, and materials available. The engine was a blend of aluminum crankcase, copper and brass piping, brass and aluminum castings and intricate control tubes. The whisper-quiet 7,036 cubic-centimeter side-valve inline-six cylinder engine was the inspiration for the car's official 40/50 HP designation and its 'Ghost' nickname. The contemporary motoring press of the era hailed the Silver Ghost as 'the best car in the world.'

This particular example was ordered by an H. Trimmer of Twyford, Hampshire, England in August 1909, and work was completed by the end of the year. Mr. Trimmer took delivery of the Rolls-Royce in February 1910 after the Landaulet coachwork by Barker had been completed.

Much of the car's history has been lost to time; it did have at least two additional English owners by the early 1950s, after which it was exported to the United States. It would remain out of sight from the public eye for decades. In 2017, it was acquired by the current caretaker, sans bodywork, from Steve Littin of Vintage & Auto Rebuilds of Chardon, Ohio.

A complete restoration commenced with the construction of the bodywork and belly pans performed by the owner's in-house shop. It was given Roi des Belges style coachwork in the style of Barker, with the hood and cowl left in polished aluminum. Vintage & Auto Rebuilds performed much of the machine work, with other Rolls-Royce suppliers and specialists enlisted as needed. There are polished Lucas lamps, 'King of the Road' cowl lamps, and the dashboard has a Tiffany & Co. clock and a rare Elliott Brothers dual speedometer/odometer. The exterior has been painted slate gray.

The restoration was completed in 2021 and shown at the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club meet in San Diego, California, the following year.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024